7 Tips to manage common cough and cold in kids during weather changes

Weather changes related common cough and cold in kids is inevitable. Months of June, July are particularly notorious for a surge in common cough and cold in kids – specially the school going kids. Blame the monsoon and frequent changes in temperature for this. Bangalore is a dry place with a unique weather. You can have extreme heat and rain and cold all in a day! The worst affected in these weather changes are the kids. Let me share 6 tips that I follow to manage common cough and cold in kids.

When are your kids most likely to catch the common cough and cold?

If you are experiencing extreme weather changes – hot and humid one day followed by heavy rains and cooler temperatures, you must take precaution. Common cough and cold in kids during weather changes is always on the rise. Both cough and cold are air borne or contact borne diseases and spreads easily. If your child is going to school, playschool, day care they are more likely to catch this.

I am sharing with you few tips that I follow for my almost-4-year-old-son. He’s vaccinated for influenza and all other major vaccines, but common cough and cold are inevitable.

Disclaimer: This post is not suggesting you should skip vaccines and only stick to home remedies. Vaccines are very important.

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7 Tips to manage common cough and cold in kids during weather changes

Let them Rest

Rest and good sleep cannot be exchanged with anything else. When we adults get cold we feel lethargic all the time, it’s similar for kids too. Sleep helps the body to fight the infection. Let your child sleep a little more, or let him play indoors where they are not running around much. It’s the perfect time to get all crafty – involve them in art and craft or have some story sessions.

Hydrate

Dehydration is pretty common during cough and cold. Kids tend to use the loo less so make sure you are keeping them well hydrated. My son often refuses to drink water, specialy when he has cold. While giving frequent sips of warm water is good – you can also try various soups with vegetables, clear soups or even juices high in Vitamin C to keep them well hydrated.

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Steam Inhalation

One of the best ways to open blocked nose is steam. Steam thins out the mucous and opens blocked nose. But giving steam to kids can be a challenging task for parents. Here’s what you can try

1. Run hot water in the shower in a closed bathroom. Stand with your kid near it so that they can inhale the steam
2. Use a facial steamer near the kid in the bathroom.
3. Get a humidifier or a cool-mist vaporiser and place it near the bed when your child is sleeping or resting

Saline Drops or Saline sprays

Another good way to clear blocked nose is through saline drops or sprays. You can get sterile saline nose drops at a chemist store and add 1-2 drops in each nostril. You need to keep the head still at one position after adding the drops. This might get difficult with some kids (like mine) so I use the saline nasal spray.

Elevated sleeping

When the nose is blocked it is very difficult to get good sleep. Use pillows to elevate your child’s head position while sleeping.

Dry Ginger Powder & Honey

Dry ginger powder (sonth) is beneficial for cold and runny nose. It’s easily available in the market and you will find them in the spice or powdered spice section in the super market. Take a pinch of dry ginger powder and add a little honey to it. Ask your child to lick on it or keep it on their tongue. This will give them relief from cold.

Tulsi, Ginger and Honey

You must have had this when you were a kid. Wash a few tulsi (basil) leaves, put them in a mortar and pestle and extract its juice. Add some ginger juice and honey to it and give it to your child for relief from cough.

I hope you will find these tips to manage common cough and cold in kids during weather changes helpful. After all, a mom only wants her baby to be fine and comfortable and she goes at lengths to give that comfort. If you have any more tips for common cough and cold during weather changes that you practice, please let me know in a comment below.